Knife handles

[cnc_works]

This may not be directly connected with machining on the ShopBot, but I do plan on using it to cut the handles, so maybe I can squeak in to tap a little of the great general knowledge here.

I've acquired a number of nice Gerber kitchen knife blanks I want to put inlaid & engraved handles on. They have .165" rivet holes in them, so I'm looking for information about rivet sources and types I might use. I'm also considering using just epoxy to apply the handles, if it would be secure enough.

Any input, or info would be appreciated.

Donn

[lto]

Check http://www.mcmaster.com/ , they have a large selection of rivets.

I've bought solid rivets from http://www.fasteningproducts.net/rivets.html .

[ron brown]

http://www.texasknife.com/

You can epoxy. One must assure the epoxy will ashere to the blade.

Ron

[elcruisr]

One of my favorite subjects. I used to make my living as a custom knife maker. The link Ron gave you is a great outfit. They also do a great job with heat treating if you ever need it!

I'd avoid epoxy only for kitchen knives. The wood will be constantly changing moisture content and so expanding / contracting a great deal whereas the steel will only be changing with temp. This tends to make for a short lived epoxy joint. A nice handle can be done with pins and epoxy or rivets and epoxy. Stick with a one to one ratio epoxy as they tend to be a little more elastic.

Eric

[cnc_works]

Thanks all for the input.

Eric, do you mean through pins or blind pins?

Donn

[elcruisr]

Either will work but I used to incorporate 1/8" through pin patterns to complement the design of handle and blade. Stainless or nickel silver were the usual material for the pins. Texas Knifemakers should also have colored or black liner material to go between handle and blade for that last little touch if you like it. It also makes a good bridge between the dissimilar materials of handle and blade.

Eric